One Injured In Late Night Cantonment Crash
May 24, 2018
One person was injured in a single vehicle crash just before midnight Wednesday near County Road 97 at Sandicrest Drive in Cantonment.
A male driver lost control and crashed into a chain link fence. He was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS with non-life threatening injuries.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Ensley Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Announces CPR App To Help Save Lives
May 24, 2018
Escambia County Emergency Medical Services has joined more than 2,800 communities nationwide to launch the PulsePoint mobile app in Escambia County, a lifesaving app that alerts CPR-trained citizens when someone in a nearby public place suffers sudden cardiac arrest.
Public safety communications centers send alerts through the app at the same time they dispatch first responders to the scene, so that citizens may administer aid while responders are en route. The app also notifies users of the closest available automated external defibrillator, or AED.
According to the American Heart Association, there are more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually in the U.S., about 90 percent of which end in death. Early application of bystander CPR and rapid defibrillation from an AED have proven to be crucial in improving a person’s chance of survival.
The American Heart Association estimates that effective hands-only CPR provided immediately after a cardiac emergency can double or triple a person’s chance of survival, but only 46 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims received bystander CPR in 2016. Even fewer receive a potentially lifesaving therapeutic shock from a public access AED.
Anyone with a smartphone can download the free PulsePoint Respond app through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Once the app is installed, select the agency serving the area where you live or work to receive alerts. Users may follow more than one agency.
Related story: “I’m The Guy Who Died At Chick-fil-A” – Escambia EMS Recognizes Cardiac Arrest Survivors
If the cardiac emergency is in a public place, the location-aware PulsePoint app will alert users in the vicinity of the need for CPR simultaneous with the dispatch of advanced medical care. The application also directs these potential rescuers to the exact location of the closest AED.
PulsePoint is a nonprofit foundation building applications that work with local public safety agencies to improve communications with citizens and off-duty personnel, empowering them to help reduce the millions of annual deaths from sudden cardiac arrest.
Advocacy Groups Say Gulf Islands National Seashore, Other Parks At Risk From Offshore Drilling
May 24, 2018
Environmental conservation groups say Gulf Islands National Seashore and 10 other national parks in Florida are threatened by White House proposals to open to oil drilling currently protected parts of the nation’s outer continental shelf and to revise the 2016 Well Control Rule, according to a report released Wednesday.
Nicholas Lund, co-author of the report issued by the National Parks Conservation Association and the Natural Resources Defense Council, told reporters that the proposed changes put more than 9,000 Florida jobs at risk. The proposals could also cost Florida $876 million in annual economic output, according to Lund, a senior manager with parks association.
“The economic output from the national parks and monuments in Florida is a significant force in the coastal economy of the state,” the 38-page report states. “The economic output measure goes far beyond just visitors’ spending and includes the ripples of activity their visits generate: the spending of both the businesses they patronize and the communities their tourism supports. Many out-of-town visitors of coastal national parks identify a park as their primary reason for traveling to the area.”
The report focused on the potential impacts of oil and gas drilling on different sections of the nation.
Gov. Rick Scott and the state’s congressional delegation have voiced opposition to the plan to open to drilling previously protected parts of the nation’s outer continental shelf — a jurisdictional term describing submerged lands 10.36 statutory miles off Florida’s West Coast and three nautical miles off the East Coast.
In January, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke appeared briefly in Tallahassee to announce drilling would not occur off Florida’s coasts. But the White House’s position has not yet been formalized.
by The News Service of Florida with contribution from NorthEscambia.com
Derrick Brooks Joins Blue Wahoos Ownership Group
May 24, 2018
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos made another big catch when it was announced that Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks has joined two time Master champion Bubba Watson and Quint and Rishy Studer in the ownership of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
“I, like all Pensacolians have had great respect for Derrick for years,” said Quint Studer. “His accomplishments on the field are legendary. So too is his work off the football field. From a high school in Tampa, running an arena football team to numerous endeavors making life better for children and families, Derrick is a difference maker. His commitment to Pensacola has never wavered. We have seen this with the success of the flag football league.”
“I am excited to welcome Derrick into the Blue Wahoos family. We have known each other for a long time and I know he shares Quint and Rishy’s vision for improving the quality of life in our community” said Watson. “I loved watching Derrick play football, but more importantly I like the way he has used the platform he was given to make a positive impact on the people and communities around him. We are lucky that he is from Pensacola”
“Bubba and Derrick have great respect for each other,” added Studer. “I was thrilled when Bubba brought up the idea of Derrick joining our group. Rishy and I have always taken a long range look at things. Having local ownership is important. Those teams that move out of a city most often are owned by people that are not part of the community. Of course it also takes a supportive city and a well maintained stadium to ensure a team remains.”
In addition Brooks and Studer have created Studer55. The initial focus will be building up flag football with a focus on academics and character building.
“I am humbled, excited, and ready to serve our ownership group in any role that will help the team win,” said Derrick Brooks. “This opportunity to work more strategically with my hometown and better serve our community with my partnership with Quint, Bubba and other partners. I have dreamed of professional sports ownership, so I am grateful that Quint and his wife allowed me this chance. Also, Derrick Brooks Charities plan to expand our flag football league with the NFL and increase our community programs with David Wilson’s leadership as part of the Studer Family of Companies.”
“We have also gotten to know Derrick’s desire to increase his Pensacola presence, as well as longtime coach, and now the athletic director for Studer55, David Wilson’s goal to move to Pensacola,” said Studer. “In the near future we will reveal the increased opportunities for children to be healthy both physically and mentally through Studer55. We are thrilled to have Coach Wilson back in the community.”
Brooks’ decorated NFL career began after twice being name an All-American at Florida State. In 2002, he was named the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year. That season, he helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win the franchise’s first Super Bowl. He is an 11-time Pro Bowler which is tied for the second most for a linebacker in NFL history. In 2014 he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His name is also enshrined in the Buccaneers Ring of Honor and his number 55 is one of three numbers retired by the franchise.
Wahoos And Smokies Suspended In Fifth
May 24, 2018
Wednesday night’s contest between the Blue Wahoos and the Tennessee Smokies has been suspended due to rain. The Smokies led the Wahoos 3-0 before play was halted. Play will resume Thursday at 5:05 p.m. prior to Thursday’s regularly scheduled game.
Eddy Martinez reached on an error to start the third inning and scored on a Trevor Clifton double which gave the Smokies a 1-0 lead. A two-run homer in the fourth from Yasiel Balaguert brought us where we are at now with the Wahoos down 3-0.
Prior to first pitch, Pensacola native and Pro football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks was announced as a co-owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Masters champion Bubba Watson formally introduced Brooks during the ceremony. Brooks and Watson echoed Quint Studer’s vision of improving the quality of life in Pensacola.
In game two of the series, right-handed pitcher Keury Mella (4-2, 2.25) will start for the Wahoos against Tennessee right-hander Duncan Robinson (1-1, 3.83).
Century Has Approved $2 Billion In Projects For Capital Trust Agency
May 23, 2018
Over the past 19 years, the Town of Century has served an integral role in the tax-exempt financing of over $1.5 billion worth of projects, including affordable housing projects, airport facilities, hotel and convention developments promoting tourism, health care projects, and K-12 educational buildings.
This week, the Century Town Council approved another $460 million funding this week for “public purpose” projects in Florida that will net up to $161,000 in fees for the town.
It’s a role that has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars for Century.
On the surface it might seem unlikely that Century, the poorest small city in the state, could play a part in the financing of dozens of multi-million projects including the Community Maritime Park in Pensacola, $439 million in hotel and convention centers for the Seminole Nation, airport cargo terminals, schools and apartment complexes.
The approvals were granted by Century and Gulf Breeze as members of the Capital Trust Agency, an independent public body for the purpose of financing or otherwise accomplishing development programs. Century entered into the Capital Trust Agency with Gulf Breeze in 1999 with Century essentially serving as the “second signature” for CTA, certifying that the projects meet a public purpose under IRS rules and regulations.
The CTA is structured in such a way to indemnify Century from any financial risk, whether it be from a company that defaults on repayment or any other legal liabilities, according to Michael Stebbins, CTA attorney. The funds used for the bonds are from the CTA’s funds, not from Century or Gulf Breeze.
Century has received over three-quarters of a million dollars in fees since the inception of CTA.
Funding approved this week included:
- Antares of Ormond Beach will a new senior living and memory care facility located in Ormond Beach. It will include 87 assisted living units and 37 memory care units. A bond issue of up to $35 million would mean a bond fee of $12,250 for Century. But it is more likely $30.675 million in bonds will be issued for fee of $10,850 for Century.
- The Rockledge Senior Housing Project Premium Edge, LLC, will include 55 independent living units, 58 assisted living units and 27 memory care units. A bond issue of up to $35 million would mean a bond fee of $12,250 for Century. But it is more likely $31.4 million in bonds will be issued for fee of $10,850 for Century.
- H-Bay Ministries of Texas plans to construct over 300 assisted living and memory care units in Hillsborough County, Lake County, Citrus County, Marion County and Niceville in Okaloosa County. A bond issue of up to $90 million would mean a bond fee of $31,500 for Century. But it is more likely $86.3 million in bonds will be issued for fee of $30,450 for Century.
- The University Bridge LLC Housing Project will be 886 rental units with 1,244 beds for students at Florida Atlantic University in Sweetwater. A bond issue of up to $300 million would mean a bond fee of $105,000 for Century. But it is more likely $210 million in bonds will be issued for fee of $73,500 for Century.
Tate High School Names The Top Of The Class Of 2018
May 23, 2018
Tate High School has named their honors graduates for the Class of 2018.
Valedictorian is Mollie Jean Anderson, and salutatorian is Rosemary Virginia Smyth (biographies below).
The Top Ten Percent honors graduates are as follows:
- Mollie Jean Anderson
- Rosemary Virginia Smyth
- Matthew Gordon Blalock
- Ashlyn Brooke Adams
- Seth Tyler Godwin
- Hannah Marie Huggins
- Victoria Caroline Kelson
- Hunter Scott Welch
- Nathaniel Allen Walker
- Shelby Melissa Jackson
- Dylan Charles Brown
- Riley Katherine Orr
- Emma Katherine Grissom
- Maurice Vonsha Hendricks
- Madisyn Maelynn Mitchell
- Allison Nicole Payne
- Brandon Michael White
- Ethan Andrew Hayes
- Tyler Jacob Kintz
- Thomas George Young
- Jolie Rebecca Wise
- Sydni Michael Solliday
- Virginia Leigh Vaughan
- Jodie Katherine Clanton
- Elise Gabrielle Felt
- Nicole Lauren Woods
- Prestina Gail Sullivan
- Joshua Nathanael Perdue
- Kaitlyn Nicole Mcconkey
- Kinsey Allison Gill
- Jonathan Thomas Creek
- Sarah Lindsey Washler
- Camryn Brooke Daniels
- Matthew Allen Sharpsteen
- Samuel Lee Peterson
- Ulysses Enrique Silguero
- Daniel Wolff Hughes
- Hannah Elizabeth Wellenkamp
- Lathan David Lee
- Kelsey Leighann Strength
- Carley Marie Pope
- Arial Elizabeth Hill
- Josiah Michael Little
- Olivia Jacquelin Brown
- Jade Minori Edmonds
- Sean Benton Rollins
- Margaret Kathleen Pearce
- Miranda Christine Avery
- Trevor Logan Wiggins
- Nathan Christopher Tubbs
- Johnathon Kennedy Roy
Valedictorian – Mollie Jean Anderson
Final GPA: 5.4
Mollie is the daughter of Mrs. Cheryl Anderson and the late Mark Anderson. She is the president of Tate’s National Science Honor Society and is a member of the National Technical, National English, Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematics), and National Honor Societies. For all four years, she was a competitive member of Tate’s Academic Team. This year, she also competed in this year’s Spanish Competition in Orlando. Mollie has also been selected on the 2018 Tate Hall of Fame. For community service, Mollie has volunteered over 170 hours for numerous school activities, the Hadji Shrine Haunted House, various Academic Team tournaments, and various events for the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center.
In the fall, Mollie will be attending the University of Florida to major in biology or molecular biology and also biochemistry. She plans to participate in medical research and eventually apply to medical school to become a physician. In 2016, Mollie’s father passed away from cancer, and since then, it has been her goal to become a doctor.
Mollie has received the following local scholarships:
- Buona Fortuna (Sons & Daughters of Italy in America) Scholarship
- Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP Scholarship
- Pensacola Heritage Foundation Scholarship
- Northwest Florida Gator Club Scholarship
- Autumn Beck Blackledge Female Entrepreneur Scholarship
Salutatorian – Rosemary Virginia Smyth
Final GPA: 5.25
Rosemary is the daughter of Patrick and Winona Smyth. She is president of Tate’s National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematics) Honor Society. While also a vice president of the National Technical Honor Society, she is a member of the National English, Science and Rho Kappa (Social Studies) Honor Societies. She also serves as president of Tate’s Service Club: the Community Care Givers. She is a 4-year member of Tate’s Veterinary Science Academy, and numerous volunteer hours with local veterinary clinics, she has completed her certification as a veterinary technician.
In the fall, Rosemary will attend the University of Alabama to study environmental science. She received the Presidential Scholarship and will receive $12,500 each semester for four years, up to $100,000.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Students Can Now Ride ECAT Buses For Free
May 23, 2018
Escambia County public school students can now ride all ECAT buses and trolleys for free.
Students grades K-12 are now able to use their county-issued student library cards as a free bus pass year round.
In addition, Escambia County Area Transit’s Summer Wheels Youth Pass Program and free Pensacola Beach trolley season will launch Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day weekend.
The ECAT Summer Wheels Youth Pass Program will include free, unlimited rides for Summer Wheels Pass holders, ages 18 and under, from Memorial Day, May 28, through Labor Day, Sept. 3.
During last year’s Summer Wheels Youth Pass Program, 781 individuals were issued passes and 9,968 trips were taken. The free bus programs provide youth with the opportunity to explore Pensacola, travel to summer jobs, visit all county libraries and participate in summer camps. ECAT also offers free training for those who are new to the bus system to help read the Ride Guide, plan trips, and review safety.
The free Pensacola Beach Trolley service is funded through the Santa Rosa Island Authority and open to riders of all ages from Friday, May 25 through Labor Day weekend. The trolleys will run seven days a week, from 4 p.m. to midnight. The trolley has 35 stops along the beach, from the Fort Pickens gate to Portofino Island Resort.
To print the Summer Wheels Pass online and to view complete application details, click here (not necessary for Escambia County students with a county-issued library card).
Century Mayor Wants Security Cameras At Town Hall, Parks, Town Shop
May 23, 2018
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins wants to install security cameras at several town properties.
Hawkins presented the town council with a proposal from Security Center USA in Jacksonville for about $700 per month under a 36 month lease purchase with a $1 buyout.
The proposal includes eight HD cameras at town hall and the Nadine McCaw Park, seven HD cameras at maintenance shop on Alger Road and Showalter Park, and three HD cameras at the water treatment plant. Installation, video recorders, streaming, accessories and monitoring are included.
The council took no action on the proposal.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Overall Crime Down In Escambia County
May 23, 2018
The overall crime rate in Escambia County is down, according to a Uniform Crime Report released Tuesday by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Escambia County’s overall crime rate was down 4.8 percent for the year, compared to 6 percent for the entire state.
Escambia County had 19 murders in 2016 and 2017. There was an increase in the number rapes ) and burglaries , while Escambia County reported a drop in the number of robberies, aggravated assaults, larcenies and vehicle thefts.
The countywide report covers crimes investigated by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department and other agencies.
Escambia County Crime Report
UP from 2016-2017
- Rape: 188 to 209
- Burglary: 1,978 to 2,004
DOWN from 2016-2017
- Robbery: 373 to 307
- Aggravated Assault: 1,400 to 1,198
- Larceny: 7,767 to 7628
- Vehicle Theft: 655 to 556